Is it okay to use triamcinolone cream one or twice to reduce early swelling of the nose?

I don't think your steroid cream will help.  Using it topically will not penetrate to where the actual swelling is.   Swelling is just part of the natural healing process so let heal and wait for the swelling to go down on its own.  For your final outcome, it may take up to 1-2 years so be patient!  Best Wishes!!

Unfortunately, the topical steroid cream won't work deep enough to change your postoperative rhinoplasty swelling. It's better used to treat the outer skin, like you had with your allergic reaction.You can discuss with your surgeon whether there are other ways to improve your nose swelling sooner.

Hi and welcome to our forum!
Although there may be a slight degree of subdermal penetration of topically administered triamcinolone cream, I doubt if would be of clinical significance. Your previous treatment was for a disorder of the skin. Inflammatory swelling of soft tissues, cartilage, and bone is "out of reach" for topically administered steroid. In unusual instances of excessive nasal swelling after surgery, injectable steroids are sometimes used. As you know, pigmentary disturbances of the skin can occur with just 2 weeks' application.  Swelling after rhinoplasty is a normal phenomenon. Speak with your plastic surgeon regarding the advisability of steroid application.
Best wishes...

Dear Mattdavidson, The topical use of steroid cream will not penetrate down to the soft tissues and reduce swelling in the nose post surgery. In patients who have prolonged swelling or thick skin some surgeons may use injectable steroids. Discuss any medications or creams that you consider using with your surgeon as every surgeon has their own post operative protocol. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.